News

Profile Of Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde, A Deputy Presidential Candidate NUJ Election (Owerri 2024)

Published

1 year ago

October 11, 2024

Dr. Abimbola Oyetunde embodies the essence of existentialism, where purpose is forged through passion and dedication. Her journey is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, resilience, and transformation. She is a towering figure in Nigerian journalism, whose career is a masterclass in excellence, dedication, and transformative leadership.

With an impressive journey that began over 28 years ago, she has not only witnessed the evolution of journalism in Nigeria but has also been a powerful force shaping its course. Like the ancient Greek concept of ‘eudaimonia,’ Dr. Oyetunde’s life work exemplifies a state of being that flourishes through living a life of virtue, excellence, and service to others.

In the spirit of Nietzsche’s ‘will to power,’ Dr. Oyetunde’s career is a masterclass in self-overcoming, where challenges are embraced as opportunities for growth and self-actualization. Her story is one of passion and purpose. Starting out as a news reporter and marketing executive at DAAR Communications (Raypower) from 1994 to 1997, Mrs. Oyetunde’s brilliance was immediately evident. She broke new ground by establishing the Lagos Island and Apapa offices, a move that showcased her knack for strategy and her bold approach to media management. This early success was just a prelude to what would become a remarkable career.

Her commitment to journalistic integrity and truth-seeking reflects the philosophical ideals of ‘aletheia’ (unveiling) and ‘parrhesia’ (fearless speech), where the pursuit of truth is a fundamental aspect of human existence. In 1998, she joined the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), where she would carve out a legacy of excellence. As a News Commentary Writer, Business Reporter/Editor, and later as Controller/Head of the Business Desk, Mrs. Oyetunde demonstrated her unmatched versatility and deep understanding of the media landscape.

Through her mentorship and leadership, Dr. Oyetunde has become a ‘Socratic midwife,’ helping to birth new ideas and inspire the next generation of media practitioners to strive for excellence. Her commitment to journalistic integrity and her keen editorial sense led to her appointment as the General Manager of Radio Nigeria Bronze FM in Benin City, Edo State, in 2016. In this role, she has transformed the station into a beacon of quality broadcasting, overseeing a talented team of 135 staff members and driving content that resonates with audiences across the region.

Dr Oyetunde’s academic and professional credentials are as formidable as her career. She holds a Master’s degree in Communications Studies from Lagos State University and a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from Ogun State Polytechnic. A lifelong learner, she has honed her skills through rigorous training at esteemed institutions such as the FRCN Training School, Lagos Business School, Tunia, and the City University of New York, where she specialized in Digital Journalism. Her international exposure is equally extensive, with her presence felt at major global events like the World Bank/IMF meetings, the sidelines of president Buhari’s visit in Washington D.C.,also China,where she covered the sidelines of President Jonathan’s visit,Tokyo, Canada, London,Liberia,Ghana and key seminars and workshops worldwide.

A revered leader and advocate, Dr. Oyetunde has been a strong voice within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). From her impactful tenure as Chairman of the NUJ FRCN Chapel and Secretary of the Lagos State Council to her current role as a National Trustee, she has championed the rights, safety, and welfare of journalists, tirelessly working to uplift the profession.
She was also Secretary, credentials committee for 2018 Delegates Conference.

Her role as Vice President (West Africa) for the Journalists International for Migration (JIFORM) further solidifies her as a leader of thought and action on the global stage.

In her quest for journalism welfarism, Dr Oyetunde fought for the weigh-in allowance that Federal and State Government media workers are enjoying now.In the process of pursuing this,she had an accident in 2013. This did not deter her as a committed Comrade.

She was a former National vice Chairman of Finance correspondent association of Nigeria, FICAN. A member of many other business associations.
She is currently the Director, (coordinator),Nigeria association of Women entrepreneurs,Lagos state.

In every role she has taken on, Dr Oyetunde has exemplified what it means to be a true professional—resilient, innovative, and committed to the pursuit of truth. Her dedication to press freedom, her advocacy for journalist safety, and her unrelenting drive to mentor the next generation of media practitioners are all reflections of her deep love for the profession.

Her contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, the Institute of Public Sector Management in the United Kingdom conferred upon her a Doctoral Award, a fitting tribute to a woman who has spent her life elevating the standards of journalism. Dr Abimbola Oyetunde is more than a journalist; she is an institution, a visionary, and an enduring symbol of what is possible when passion meets purpose in the pursuit of truth.

Oyetunde’s remarkable journey as a multi-award winning journalist is indeed a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, resilience, and transformation. Enter our incoming Deputy National President of NUJ… This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes!

News

Senate Confirms New FCC Chairman, Approves 37 Commissioners

Published

8 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Hon. Ayo Omidiran, a former member of the House of Representatives, as the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

At the same time, 37 commissioners representing the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were approved.

The confirmation followed the adoption of the report by the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, presented by Chairman Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh.

He informed the Senate that all nominees had successfully passed thorough screenings, submitted required documents—including Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) clearances, police reports, DSS vetting, and curriculum vitae—and had no criminal petitions filed against them.

The Senate conducted a state-by-state review in the Committee of the Whole, which was adopted when lawmakers returned to plenary.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, addressing the chamber after the unanimous confirmation, urged the appointees to serve with dedication and uphold public trust.

“Go and serve in the interest of the nation. I congratulate all the nominees and wish them a successful tenure,” he said.

Notable appointees include Peter Ogbonna Eze (Enugu State) and AbdulWasiu Kayode Bawa-Allah (Lagos State), while Mohammed Musa was retained as Secretary of the Commission.

Other confirmed commissioners are: Obinna Oriaku (Abia); Lawal Ya’u Roni (Jigawa); Abubakar Atiku Bunu (Kebbi); Eludayo Eluyemi (Osun); Bema Olvadi Madayi (Adamawa); Dora Ebong (Akwa Ibom); Nnoli Nkechi Gloria (Anambra); Babangida Adamu Gwana (Bauchi); Sir Tonye Okio (Bayelsa); Aligba Eugene Tarkende (Benue); Engr. Modu Mustapha (Borno); Dr. Stella Odey Ekpo (Cross River); Ederin Lovette Idisi (Delta); Barr. Nwokpor Vincent Nduka (Ebonyi); Hon. Victor Sabor Edoror (Edo); Hon. Sola Fokanle (Ekiti); Ibrahim Baba Mairiga (Gombe); Hon. Jerry Alagbaoso (Imo); Ruth Jumai Ango (Kaduna); Muhammad Awwal Nayya (Kano); Hon. Anas Isah (Katsina); Bello Idris Eneye (Kogi); Dr. Ibrahim Abdullahi (Kwara); Alh. Isah Jibrin (Niger); Comrade Ajimudu Bola (Ondo); Prince Ayodeji Aleshinloye (Oyo); Hon. Pam Bolman (Plateau); Aaron Chukwuemeka (Rivers); Alh. Aminu Tambar (Sokoto); Bobboi Bala Kaigama (Taraba); Hon. Jibir Maigari (Yobe); Sani Garba (Zamfara); and Solomon Ayuba Dagami (FCT).

The Senate expressed confidence that the newly confirmed FCC leadership will enhance the commission’s capacity to promote equitable representation across Nigeria’s public institutions.

News

Tinubu Constitutes Membership For US–Nigeria Security Working Group

Published

8 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

President Bola Tinubu has approved the formation of the Nigerian delegation to the US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a bilateral initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation on security matters.

The decision follows a recent visit to Washington DC by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu will head the multi-agency team, which includes senior officials from key security and foreign policy institutions.

According to a statement signed by the President’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, members of the working group include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard M. Doro; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Amb. Mohammed Mohammed; and Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

“Ms Idayat Hassan of the Office of the National Security Adviser and Mr Paul Alabi of the Embassy of Nigeria in the US will serve as the secretariat,” the statement added.

Tinubu urged the team to engage closely with their American counterparts to ensure the implementation of security agreements reached during the visit. The working group is tasked with coordinating bilateral efforts on counter-terrorism, defence cooperation, and regional stability.

The initiative has gained prominence following recent remarks by US leadership. US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious-freedom violations and warned of possible military intervention should attacks on Christians persist, increasing pressure on the Nigerian government to strengthen its security response.

Bilateral cooperation
Recall that last week, a high-level Nigerian delegation led by Ribadu concluded a series of engagements with United States officials aimed at reinforcing bilateral security cooperation.

The discussions, held in Washington DC, involved senior representatives from the US Congress, the White House Faith Office, the State Department, the National Security Council, and the Department of War.

During the meetings, the Nigerian delegation rejected allegations of genocide in the country, emphasising that violent attacks affect communities across religious and ethnic lines.

“Wrongful framing of the situation would only divide Nigerians and distort the realities on the ground,” the delegation stated.

The United States expressed readiness to deepen security support, including enhanced intelligence sharing, expedited processing of defence equipment requests, and the potential provision of excess defence articles, subject to availability, to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Additional support in the form of humanitarian assistance and technical aid to strengthen early-warning mechanisms was also discussed.

Both nations agreed to implement a non-binding cooperation framework immediately and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate efforts across the agreed areas. The Nigerian delegation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to civilian protection measures and the safeguarding of vulnerable communities, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

The Nigerian delegation included Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, Attorney General of the Federation; General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Defence Staff; Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Parker Undiandeye, Chief of Defence Intelligence; Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police; Ambassador Ibrahim Babani, Director of Foreign Relations at the Office of the National Security Adviser; and Ms Idayat Hassan, Special Adviser to the NSA.

The Federal Government highlighted that the engagements provided an opportunity to correct misconceptions about Nigeria, build trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting citizens.

It urged the public to remain assured that coordinated measures are being taken to enhance security nationwide.

News

Edo Assembly Invites Obaseki, Others For Questioning Over MOWAA

Published

10 hours ago

November 27, 2025

Editor

The controversy surrounding the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) and Radisson Hotel, remains unabated as Edo State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the matter has invited a former governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki for questioning.

A statement by Secretary of the Ad-hoc Committee, Bekisu Oshone, on Thursday, stated that the former governor and others are expected to appear on December 4, 2025.

Other persons invited by the committee are a former Edo Finance Commissioner, Joseph Eboigbe, former Attorney General of Edo State, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, MOWAA’s Director, Philip Iheanacho and Managing Director, Tilbury House Nigeria Limited.

According to her, others invited are Project Manager of Hospitality Investment and Management Company, Pramod Thorat, Managing Director, Afrinvest Capital Limited, Ugochukwu Anigbogu, Managing Director, Meristem Trustees Limited and
Managing Director, Emerging Africa Trustees Limited.

The statement reads: “The Edo State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee constituted to investigate the Museum of West African Arts and Radisson Hotel invites former Governor Godwin Obaseki and 10 others/organization (listed above) to appear before the committee for public hearing on December 4.”

She said attendance by Obaseki and others was required as part of the committee’s investigation.

The former governor and other invitees are expected to give insights into funding of the Radisson Hotel.

The MOWAA and Radisson Hotel were both conceptualized by Obaseki.

While first phase of the MOWAA has been completed, Radisson Hotel is near completion.

Recall that an exhibition at the museum turned chaotic on November 9 after angry protesters stormed the venue, forcing a high-profile event to shut down abruptly.

The preview opening, described as a private exhibition for investors, artists, and foreign envoys, quickly descended into panic when a mob claiming the museum belonged to the Oba of Benin breached parts of the premises.